The words of the Nursery Rhyme, 'It's raining, it's pouring...' have been suggested by Jerry Jacobson. Little is known about the origins of the song, but we believe it originated in England (well renown for its rainy weather!) The rhyme was often sang by children when they could not go out to play. The lyrics suited the ritual chants that children love. In the UK it is common for people to say that "It's pouring" rather than say "It's pouring with rain".

It's raining, it's pouringNursery Rhyme lyrics, origins and history

It's raining, it's pouring The old man is snoring He went to bed and he bumped his head And couldn't get up in the morning

Another song starting with the same words is as follows:

It's raining, it's raining,There's pepper in the box,And all the little ladiesAre holding up their frocks.

A reminder that of the fashions from bygone days and perhaps the value placed on pepper. Pepper and salt are the cornerstone of European seasoning. And pepper was popularly known as the king of all spices. The quest for spices encouraged the Renaissance Explorers on there voyages of discovery. Chilli peppers including red peppers, cayenne, paprika and chilli were all discovered in the New World which contributed to the colonization of the Americas. This broke the monopoly held by Venice (via their trade route to India) in providing Europe with this spice. The exorbitant price of pepper fell - eventually ordinary people could afford to fill their pepper box!

Did you know...Did you know that the Tower of London castle complex in fact consists of 21 different towers. One is called the Salt Tower and it is possible that this expensive commodity was traditionally stored in this building. In medieval England salt was only afforded by the higher Nobility. The Lords sat on the dais at the 'high table' and the lower classes at lower trestle tables. The salt was placed in the centre of the high table and only those of the appropriate rank had access to it. Those less favoured on the lower tables were "beneath the salt".

Our grateful thanks go to Jerry Jacobson for reminding us about this song & rhyme. Thanks Jerry!